Daily Archives: September 24, 2009

Saturday, October 24, 1:30 pm – Living in Paradise: Heian Paradise Gardens

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We all live in two worlds: the natural and the symbolic. Our expectations, memories, and the reality of death play a significant role in our lives. There is a rich landscape tradition that evokes many natural and symbolic responses to our ephemeral existence, the afterlife, burial customs, and memorialization. In five programs from October 2009 through March 2010, a series entitled “The Landscape of Eternity” explores some of the ideas and expressions of these landscapes of memory. The Landscape Visions Lecture Series is made possible by a bequest from Jeanne Muller Ryan.  The first program, on October 24, in the Tapestry Room of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, will be given by garden designer and historian Marc Peter Keane.

In Heian Japan, Amida Buddha’s Western Paradise was recreated in elaborate estate and temple gardens. Within this symbolic landscape, the image of Amida Buddha was enshrined in a hall set on the shore of a pond. Marc Peter Keane explores several of these gardens and their role as a paradise on earth. Tickets: $15 General Public; $12 Seniors; $5 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Members; FREE for Students.  Tickets may be purchased on line at www.gardnermuseum.org, or by calling 617-566-1401. Image: Scenes from the Tale of Genji (detail), 1677; Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Genji screen detail - Landscape Visions Lecture

Tuesday, October 20, 6:00 pm – News of Brewer Fountain Plaza Renovation

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The Friends of the Public Garden presents News of Brewer Fountain Plaza Renovation, Boston Common, on Tuesday, October 20, beginning at 6:00 pm at The Hampshire House, 84 Beacon Street in Boston.  Come hear the plans to revitalize the landscape in this heavily used area of the park, making it a greener, more inviting gateway into the Common and a destination within the park, with a restored Brewer Fountain as its centerpiece.  Also, hear about the plans to celebrate the Friends of the Public Garden’s 40th Anniversary in 2010.  Reception follows.  The event is free but please RSVP and make a reservation, as space is limited.  Email by Thursday, October 15 at fopg@gis.net, or call 617-723-8144.

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Wednesday, October 14, 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon – Bonsai Matching

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What would happen if a bonsai tree were planted in the ground? Most of the species seen as bonsai in the Arnold Arboretum’s world-renowned Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection can also be seen in the Arboretum landscape, but they look very different! Explore the history and culture of bonsai and the Arboretum’s long relationship with these fascinating plants. Compare and contrast bonsai with their “unrestricted” counterparts in the landscape. Meet instructor Robbie Apfel, Docent, at the Bonsai House, adjacent to the Dana Greenhouse at 1050 Centre Street.  Free. Advance registration requested.  Log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu to sign up  and for directions.

Ficus Bonsai, Washington, DC by Grufnik.